When Is the Right Time to Contact a Law Firm After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you might be wondering when—or even if—you should reach out to a personal injury attorney. Should you wait to see how badly you’re hurt? Should you talk to the insurance company first? At CatastrophicallyInjured.com, we’re here to help you understand your rights and protect your future.
In most cases, the best time to contact a law firm is immediately after the accident, especially if you’ve been seriously injured or believe someone else was at fault. Here’s why acting quickly matters.
1. Evidence Is Time-Sensitive
The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to collect critical evidence that supports your claim. Skid marks fade, security footage gets erased, and witness memories can become unreliable. A personal injury lawyer can begin preserving this evidence immediately, strengthening your case from the start.
2. Insurance Companies Aren’t on Your Side
After a crash, insurance companies might act friendly—but their goal is to pay as little as possible. If you speak to an adjuster without legal guidance, you could accidentally say something that hurts your case or accept a settlement that’s far below what you deserve.
By contacting a law firm early, you’ll have someone protecting your rights and handling communication with insurers on your behalf.
3. You Might Be Entitled to More Than You Realize
Many injury victims don’t understand the full scope of what they can recover. In addition to medical bills, you may be eligible for compensation for:
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Lost wages
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Future medical expenses
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Property damage
An experienced attorney will evaluate your case and pursue every category of damages you’re entitled to under the law.
4. Delays Can Affect Your Health and Your Case
Some injuries—like whiplash, brain trauma, or internal bleeding—may not show symptoms immediately. If you wait too long to get medical help, the insurance company might argue that your injuries aren’t related to the accident. A lawyer can guide you to the right medical professionals and help you document your condition properly.
5. There Are Legal Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)
Each state has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. In Pennsylvania, for example, you generally have two years from the date of the accident. But waiting even a few months can reduce your negotiating power and make it harder to build a solid case.
When You Should Definitely Call a Lawyer
Contact a law firm immediately if:
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You were injured in the accident
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Another driver was clearly or potentially at fault
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There are disputes about what happened
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An insurance company has contacted you
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You’ve received a settlement offer
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You’re missing work or accumulating medical bills